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The National
11-05-2025
- Science
- The National
Arab world's first joint satellite project moves closer to launch
A satellite jointly built by Arab nations is a step closer to launch, as engineers complete a technical review that clears the way for final environmental testing. The 260kg Earth observation satellite, called 813, is the Arab world's first collaborative space mission and is expected to lift off from China aboard a ride-share carrier rocket in June. Its development is being led by the UAE Space Agency at the National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) in Al Ain, in collaboration with engineers and researchers from 11 Arab countries. 'Enabling local and Arab talents to lead qualitative global projects is the result of a long-term vision that invests in youth, science and regional integration,' Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, director-general of the UAE Space Agency, said in a statement. 'The UAE will continue to support every Arab project that reflects our common ambitions and strengthens our position in the future knowledge-based economy.' The project was announced in 2019 with hopes of bringing Arab nations together and increasing their space sectors' capabilities. The satellite is named after the year 813AD, which marked the start of scientific achievements for the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, ushering the Arab world into a period of significant intellectual advancement, referred to as the Islamic Golden Era. Engineers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Sudan, Kuwait, Oman, and Lebanon have taken part in the satellite's development. The recent system integration review helped to confirm that the satellite's design, structure and subsystems were all ready to move into the final testing phase before launch. The next tests will expose the spacecraft to extreme vibration and temperature conditions similar to those at launch. Amar Vora, head of space for Serco Middle East, told The National that the project was a 'powerful signal from the Arab world'. 'Much like Europe's model under the European Space Agency, where long-standing co-operation has transformed Europe into a space leader, this satellite shows that Arab nations can also leverage collective strength to advance strategic capabilities,' he said. 'It brings together engineers, scientists, researchers and policymakers across the region in a way that builds not only hardware, but human capital, sovereign capability and institutional trust.' Satellite 813 will support environmental monitoring across the region by collecting highly detailed data across many wavelengths. Hyperspectral sensors – still a relatively new technology in the global space sector – allow for in-depth analysis of soil conditions, internal water quality, crop health, land cover changes and pollution levels. Data gathered from the satellite will be useful for countries such as Sudan, which has been experiencing prolonged droughts and water shortages that have severely damaged agriculture and livelihoods. 'We've taken our time because hyperspectral technology is still new to us,' Eiman Al Shamsi, programme manager for Satellite 813, told The National in an interview in September. 'Very few countries have built payloads with this capability. It took time to match our design requirements with the performance we needed.' It is not yet clear which Chinese carrier the satellite would fly on, but the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation operates several ride-share missions, using the Long March-6, Long March-8 and Long March-2D rockets.
Gulf Today
09-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Arab Satellite team concludes System Integration Review
In line with the UAE's ambitious vision to lead and strengthen Arab cooperation in the space sector, the Arab Satellite 813 programme team has successfully concluded the System Integration Review (SIR), a pivotal milestone in the satellite's lifecycle, confirming the satellite's readiness to proceed to the final stages of environmental testing. The review, conducted with the participation of senior leadership from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), experts from the UAE Space Agency, and representatives from several technical entities, involved a comprehensive evaluation of subsystem readiness, final design verification, thermal and mechanical test plans, as well as confirmation of the successful integration between the payload and the platform. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said, 'The Arab Satellite 813 Project reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering joint Arab action in the space sector and its strategic vision to reinforce the region's position in advanced space industries. It also supports leading initiatives that unite Arab efforts and open new horizons for youth and Arab scientists and researchers.' Al Qubaisi added, 'We believe that Arab cooperation in scientific fields is the foundation for building a future built on knowledge and innovation. This new achievement will certainly enhance Arab countries' ability to develop space solutions that support environmental sustainability and comprehensive development.' Al Qubaisi continued, 'Space is a powerful and a strategic tool for building a diversified economy. Enabling local and Arab talents to lead qualitative global projects is the result of a long-term vision that invests in youth, science, and regional integration. The UAE will continue to support every Arab project that reflects our common ambitions and strengthens our position in the future knowledge-based economy.' On the other hand, Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), said, 'The completion of the SIR for the Arab Satellite 813 is more than a technical achievement, it is a defining moment in our region's journey towards space self-reliance and scientific leadership.' Al Shehhi added, 'This milestone reaffirms the UAE's commitment to enabling Arab collaboration in space, and to harnessing advanced technologies for environmental monitoring, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development. We are proud to lead a programme that carries regional purpose and global potential.' Furthermore, Eiman Al Shamsi, programme Manager of the 813 Project, said, 'Today marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of the Arab Satellite 813 programme. The successful completion of the System Integration Review confirms that both the satellite and the NSSTC Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities are fully prepared for the final phases of integration and environmental testing.' Al Shamsi continued, 'This achievement reflects the dedication and technical excellence of our team, the strength of our strategic partnerships, and our collective commitment to a mission that advances scientific research, supports education, and contributes to the growth of the national space sector.' The Arab Satellite 813 Project is the first space cooperation project between the Arab countries led by the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced Satellite 813 as a present to the Arab Space Cooperation Group at the Global Space Conference, in light of signing the charter of establishment. The UAE Space Agency funds and supervises the project, while the National Space Science and Technology Centre in the UAE University leads the execution of the project in collaboration with members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group. The project will assist in environmental mapping and monitoring, archiving phenomena as well as identifying natural resources, studying land cover dynamics and crop conditions, analysing internal water quality and spread, evaluating land erosion and soil pollution versus climate, mining site conditions, in addition to geological exploration and detection of rare earth minerals (RE), and essential minerals. WAM
